Ah, back-to-school shopping. Even in the midst of summer, our inner organized teacher is whispering, “Don’t wait till the last minute to get those pencils and highlighters.” While everyone has annual go-to necessities, consider investing in some new products this year to help you stay organized, energized, and efficient. Whether you teach in a classroom, a studio, your home, or online, here are five useful items to help you kick off this school year:

1. Sturdy tote bag.

Teachers have lots to carry around (scores, lesson plans, snacks, model larynxes), so a strong, sizable tote is a must. Invest in a large bag made of your choice of material (leather, canvas, etc.) that is easily adaptable to your needs. Even if you are teaching from home, it’s helpful to have a bag devoted to your teaching materials so everything is in one place. This bag has plenty of room and a built-in USB charging port.

2. Label maker. 

Tired of trying to remember what’s where? Organize all of your office and studio supplies using a label maker. Label music binders, student files, shelves, and desk drawers to make your materials easier to access. A portable, battery-operated option like this one is a practical choice.

3. Laminator. 

This product is an investment, but it’s the gift that keeps giving. A laminator is great for creating posters, lists, charts, handouts, bookmarks, or reusable activity sheets. It also gives you a way to preserve your own documents, certificates, awards, and other professional memorabilia. This laminator features several helpful tools and features, or for a more budget-friendly option, try this one.

4. Electric kettle. 

Forgot to grab your morning coffee? Need a midday cup of tea? No matter what space you’re in, a portable electric kettle will boil water in a matter of minutes. Stay energized with your beverage of choice, or use it in a pinch to make instant soups and other on-the-go meals and snacks. Check out this stainless steel one for a sleek look.

5. Teacher planner.

Although Google Calendar and regular planners are great, having a planner specifically designed for teachers makes a huge difference when it comes to meeting your daily needs. These planners offer features such as targeted to-do lists, student performance trackers, and class birthday lists. Use it to jazz up your daily scheduling and organize information more effectively in one place. Our Modern Singer Day Planner for Students and Teachers has many of these features, as well as additional materials to keep you on track with your own artistic growth.

These products make great additions to your classroom or studio space and will be put to good use, whether you buy them for yourself or as a gift for a fellow teacher. The fresh, exciting feeling of an approaching new school year is already upon us, so before you write out the same old back-to-school shopping list, consider investing in items you can use all year long!